In Dave Ulrich’s HR Model, HR is recognized as the future-focused champion of organizational change, with the Change Agent playing a pivotal role in driving adaptability, strengthening culture, and enhancing employee engagement.

​By 2025, this role will have expanded further​, HR is now vital in digital evolution, aligning new technologies with human needs. To excel, HR leaders must understand the dynamics of change, embrace it personally, and equip themselves with the right frameworks to effectively lead and support their teams and organizations.

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome ​Nick Petschek​, Managing Director at ​Kotter​ (Established by Dr. John Kotter, the creator of ​Kotter's 8-Step Model for Leading Change​). With a remarkable history of leading transformations for Fortune 500 companies like Apple, the NFL, and 3M, Nick will share valuable insights on how HR leaders can drive progress, build resilient organizations, and cultivate systems and cultures that enable long-term success.

Let’s jump into this insightful discussion!

Our host, Tim, and Nick explore:

The Nature of Change

• Change is a constant in our lives and organizations.
• Different individuals have varying thresholds for accepting change.
• Understanding the 'why' behind changes is essential for buy-in.

Building Adaptable Organizations

• Creating adaptable organizations involves systems, culture, and individual capabilities.
• Training alone is not enough; culture and systems must support change.

Leading Change Effectively

• Proactive change is more effective than reactive change.
• A sense of urgency can be created without panic.
• Introspection is key to understanding resistance to change.

The Role of HR and Leadership

• HR plays a crucial role in leading change initiatives.
• Face-to-face interactions foster connection and urgency.

I follow and summarize the news that future-forward and people-centric leaders care about, so you don't have to.

This week:

​Workers Fear Skills Obsolescence Amid Rapid Change​

A Global Labor Market Conference report reveals that 50% of U.S. workers worry their skills will become obsolete within the decade, driven by technological advancements.

While 44% of respondents feel upskilling is their responsibility, employers play a critical role in nurturing key skills like critical thinking, leadership, and empathy.

While mentioning leadership training, ​a TalentLMS survey​ finds that 45% of managers say leadership development is lacking, with leadership training most neglected.

​Microretirement: Strategic Breaks for Burnout Relief​

Microretirement, the practice of taking strategic career breaks, is gaining traction, particularly among younger workers, despite warnings it could cost up to $600,000 in future retirement savings.

A survey found 43% of U.S. workers feel burned out, yet 47% hesitate to discuss it with supervisors, prompting alternative ways to manage work-life balance.

Flexible industries like tech and consulting support such breaks, but planning is critical, as long gaps can hinder reentry and impact finances.

Employers can help by fostering open communication and offering flexible policies, which can boost satisfaction and retention while addressing burnout concerns.

Quick Hits:

• ​Gallup: The Great Detachment and Employees Feel 'Stuck':​ Just 18% of employees feel satisfied, and 51% struggle to find opportunities—the highest since 2015. Leaders must improve management, clarify expectations, and​ connect roles to company missions​.
• ​DEI in 2024: Turmoil and Setbacks:​ Legal risks surged with 53 DEI-related lawsuits, as companies like Walmart and Ford scaled back initiatives. SHRM dropped “equity” from its messaging, and Trump’s election raises uncertainty for DEI’s future.